Prepare for the American Water Works Water Treatment Plant Operator Test. Study with multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

Multiple Choice

Spherical bacteria are known as which term?

Spherical bacteria are called cocci. In bacterial morphology, shapes are used to categorize organisms: cocci are round, bacilli are rod-shaped, spirilla are spiral, and vibrios are curved rods that resemble a comma. Recognizing that spherical cells are cocci helps you quickly identify the type of bacteria under the microscope. Cocci can occur alone or in various arrangements such as pairs, chains, or clusters, depending on how the cells divide and stick together, but the defining feature is the round shape.

Spherical bacteria are called cocci. In bacterial morphology, shapes are used to categorize organisms: cocci are round, bacilli are rod-shaped, spirilla are spiral, and vibrios are curved rods that resemble a comma. Recognizing that spherical cells are cocci helps you quickly identify the type of bacteria under the microscope. Cocci can occur alone or in various arrangements such as pairs, chains, or clusters, depending on how the cells divide and stick together, but the defining feature is the round shape.